Key facts
- Germany and France are deepening nuclear cooperation.
- German conventional forces will participate in a French nuclear exercise before the end of the year.
- The cooperation aims to enhance European defense self-reliance and strategic deterrence.
- France is the only nuclear power within the European Union.
- Several European countries have expressed interest in France's initiative.
Germany and France have announced a significant deepening of their nuclear cooperation, with German conventional forces set to participate in a French-led nuclear exercise before the end of the year. This initiative underscores Europe's drive for greater defense self-reliance, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about the future of U.S. security commitments to the continent.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the cooperation complements NATO's nuclear sharing agreement, to which Germany remains committed. He noted that while previous German leaders had declined French offers of nuclear cooperation, the current global landscape necessitates new approaches. Germany's participation will initially involve conventional forces, with Merz suggesting that the world's current state requires novel solutions.
President Macron emphasized that this enhanced deterrence is crucial for European collective security, aiming to create strategic doubt among adversaries. He described Germany's role as a "vanguard role" in deterrence efforts, suggesting that diluting the presence of nuclear deterrents can confuse enemies. Macron indicated that the cooperation would involve explaining operational aspects, sharing practices, conducting joint exercises, and fostering trust among military personnel, though he did not provide specific operational details, citing the need for discretion when dealing with adversaries.
Macron also clarified that Germany's participation would not involve direct financial contributions to France's nuclear arsenal, which France announced it would increase in March. The announcement follows a joint in-flight refueling exercise between French Rafale and German Eurofighter jets, a symbolic precursor to the enhanced cooperation. France's initiative gained traction amid doubts about U.S. reliability for European defense, and several countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, have expressed interest. Germany's involvement is particularly significant as it pursues a major rearmament plan to build Europe's strongest conventional military by 2039. The leaders also aim to strengthen bilateral ties, following the collapse of a joint fighter jet program.